As we look ahead to another year with renewed hope and resolution, it is also a good time to consider the dedication and deep commitment service providers and trainers demonstrate every day in their work of providing behavioral health services to individuals and families across Maine. There are mighty challenges in the field with diminished resources, and these professionals persevere. They also strive to keep staff engaged and trained in best practices. On behalf of the Office of Behavioral Health and the Muskie School Center for Learning, thank you for all you do.

MHRT/C Non-Academic Training

December 31^st marked the end of a three-year approval period for MHRT/C Domain 1 trainers. Thirteen trainers renewed their commitment to offer the 30-hour non-academic course, Behavioral, Psychological, and Rehabilitation Intervention Models. This course represents one of three priority domains needed for the MHRT/C certification. Courses are available virtually, and a schedule of offerings and trainer contact information is posted on the Non-Academic tab of the CFL website.

Since the rollout of the Domain 1 course three years ago, 13 individual instructors taught 27 courses to 200 learners.

In-service MHRT/C Training

Agencies providing in-service training to their staff for MHRT/C continuing education credit do not need to get pre-approval from OBH to provide a session. They do need a qualified trainer teaching the course; to provide a certificate of completion showing the title of the training, the date, the number of credit hours, and the signature of the trainer if possible. The Maine Office of Behavioral Health (OBH) will request documentation for review on a periodic basis to ensure ongoing quality training. Therefore, it is strongly suggested that agencies maintain documentation for all in‐service programs. The documentation should include a program description, trainer qualifications, and a sample certificate of completion with the number of training hours. Non-academic MHRT/C trainers may use content from the Domain curricula to develop in-service programming.

MHSS Training

Also in December, 35 trainers of the MHSS (Mental Health Support Specialist) curriculum came together to hear Department updates, evaluation findings, plans for program improvements, as well as to share resources and renew their commitment to training the program, one of the requirements for MHRT I certification. Angie Newhouse from the Office of Behavioral Health facilitated the half-day sessions.

For a list of approved trainers and their contact information, visit the MHSS section of the CFL website.

Please contact us if you have any questions about these training programs.